Today, however, the majority religion of Punjab is Sikhism, which originated from the teachings of Nanak, the first Sikh Guru. Hindus make up the largest minority, but there also is a significant population of Muslims. There are small communities of Christians and Jains in some areas.

Where do Punjabis come from?

Punjab Background. The Punjabis are an ethnic group of Indo-Aryan peoples, originating from the Punjab region, found in Pakistan and northern India.

What is difference between Punjabi and Sikh?

“Punjabi” and “Sikh” are two different terms which often confuse people. While “Sikh” is a religion, “Punjabi” is a broader term used for all the people living in the Punjab region of both India and Pakistan irrespective of their religions.

Why did Punjabis convert to Islam?

Islam was introduced into Northern Punjab during the reign of Mahmud of Ghazni in the 11th century and the region subsequently became part of various Turko-Persian and Turko-Mongol Muslim empires. The region became predominantly Muslim due to missionary Sufi saints whose dargahs dot the landscape of the Punjab region.

Do Punjabis drink alcohol?

Drinking alcohol is often associated with the Punjabi culture, but is prohibited in Sikhism. Baptised Sikhs are forbidden from drinking but some non-baptised Sikhs do consume alcohol. Whilst the vast majority of those who do drink have no problem, a small number of Punjabi Sikh women are affected.

When did jats convert to Islam?

Between the 11th and the 13th centuries, the Jats became essentially a farming population, taking advantage in the growth of irrigation. As these Jats became converted to farmers, they started accepting Islam.

Are Punjabis martial?

The fact is that the Punjabi Muslim is a convert mainly from the peasantry (Jat) which is not martial. Gen Ashfaq Kayani is Gakkhar, a caste that claims Rajput ancestry. Meanwhile Rajput, Afghan, Maratha, Sikh, Jat (Hindu) and tribal Hindu generals all fought for and against Mughal armies.